5 comments about Start to Finish Guide to SQL Server Performance Monitoring.

1. This book gives great detail about SQL Server counters and perfmon. My whole team is using it to determine what our baseline counters should be that we monitor and how to react to them. The book tells you counters to watch and when you should worry. It also talks about what to monitor in Profiler. Very detailed and exactly what you'd hope to see from this type of book.



2. Brian Kelley has put together a book that I think will benefit just about every database professional working with SQL Server. It brings together most every aspect of tuning a system for optimum performance, including monitoring the Operating System and hardware, monitoring SQL Server, and using the SQL Profiler.

   This book is one of those unique books that can be read straight through and then kept within arm's reach for use as a reference book. The benefit of the ebook format is that it doesn't take up the shelf space.

   It's well worth the price.




3. This books is well written, well thought out, and a handy guide to keep around. If you want to take your SQL Server knowledge to the next level, by incorporating thorough guidelines for making your Enterprise database environment "sing", this is the only guide you need.



4. This is really the best book I have come across regarding Performance tuning .

   Brian Kelley has come out with real time examples and Scenarios and it also takes you all through the Hardware and software tunning . It includes the SQL Profiler and how it can be used in real time tracing the probelms which includes the counter which are to be looked at .

   I am impressed by the content and the topics covered .
   It is really a good book and a must for all DBA's who are more hungry and want to fine tune their systems .

   Good stuff Brian!!




5. Although information in this 100 page pamphlet is essential, it is hardly advanced.
   
   If you are not familiar with Performance Monitor and SQL Profiler in particular, then this pamphlet is worth its price. If you have many years of experience using Performance Monitor, SQL Profiler, and SQL performance tuning in general, you will get very little new information.
   
   This is a good material for a beginner SQL DBA. But its lack of depth in technical coverage leaves a lot wanting to the experienced DBA.

1 comments about Sybase Architecture and Administration.

1. This book seems to be aimed at 'beginer' level users. Even for beginers, as it is based on version 10, it is pretty outdated now.... I would not go out and buy it.

   I have read his other books as well...like the "Rep server admin", but that is a much better book in comparison.

5 comments about Pete Cassidy's Cookbook for Oracle SQL*Plus.

1. Got to be the worst cover ever - even though its his daughters idea sorry! I cover it in brown paper at client sites. Its an excellent dip in and read and contains solutions to many commonly experienced problems both for experience and neophytes alike. For me its a MUST HAVE. I can give it to very inexperiened developers rather than explain for the n'th time how to define your editor in SQLPLUS for example.

   Howard Latham Editor Oracle Scene.




2. It contains all that you need and nothing you don't for using SQL plus utility effectively. It also has lot of examples.



3. If you're thinking about buying this book, you might want to know what's in it. This book is about 250 pages, and each page contains one example of something you can do in SQL*Plus. There is only a small amount of explanation about what the example does, often only a sentence.

   The examples are all things that people who work with Oracle might want to do from time to time, but might not know how to accomplish.

   So this book will be most appreciated by someone who already has a certain amount of experience with Oracle. If you use the Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced categories of Oracle knowledge, I'd say the people who would most like this book are those who are at least half way through the Beginner stage, up to people who are just entering the Advanced stage.

   If you are a rank beginner to Oracle, you will not understand many of the examples. For instance, the page for Using Array Processing merely demonstrates, for SQL*Plus, the command SHOW ARRAYSIZE. That's all! If you already know what array processing is, and just want to know how to determine what arraysize is currently set to, then the command shown will be helpful. But if you don't know about array processing in SQL*Plus, what's the use of seeing this page?

   Most of the book is like this. In fact, imagine for a minute there was a SQL*Plus expert in your office, and every day several people came over and asked, "I'm stuck on one point and was wondering if you could tell me how to...." Now suppose that expert typed a few commands, showing the person how to do the specific thing they were asking, and then saved what he typed. After he had 250 commonly asked questions, he put what he typed in a book, one per page, adding a title to the page and maybe one sentence of explanation.

   That's exactly what this book is. It assumes you already have a certain level of knowledge about Oracle in general, and about SQL*Plus in particular. If that's true for you, then great, you'll appreciate these 250 techniques and tips, because they're things you'll probably want to know how to do. But even if you have a year or two of experience with Oracle, you'll probably find you have to look in the Oracle documentation for a fuller explanation to make sense of some of the things in this book.

   That's not necessarily a bad thing. It could be a great way to learn. In fact, if you're a rank beginner, you might still like this book if you're the type of person who likes to dive right in and start typing commands to see what they do. Just be aware that you better have the Oracle documentation CD-ROM handy, because virtually none of the great commands and techniques shown in this book are accompanied by any explanation other than the occasional sentence.

   If you are the type who likes to read complete explanations, I'd suggest the SQL*Plus book by Gennick. Whatever, this is a good book, it's just that you'll probably need some background before you can really appreciate and make use of it.




4. Pete's cookbook is an excellent resource which I highly recommend. What makes the book 'work' for me is there are many superb examples of both simple and complex practical SQL and SQL*PLUS problems and solutions. In addition to being humorous, it is easy to follow and to understand. When I am trying to get a task done by a certain deadline, I don't have time to wade through miles of explanation. I need the answer YESTERDAY and the SQL COOKBOOK does that for me. I also teach Oracle courses and my students really love the book too.



5. I have used Pete's book for over a year now, and I find it a strong sourcebook. Unlike many of my other source books, this book gives the actual text of the commands that are necessary to accomplish the job.
   I place this text at the top of the Oracle books I have.

5 comments about MCSE Training Kit (Exam 70-229): Microsoft SQL Server(TM) 2000 Database Design and Implementation (Pro Certification).

1. Good reference book, and covers subject matter decent, but still leaves a lot of details that you are tested on out. This is one of the harder Microsoft exams, so study hard for this one. I would definately use another resource if I had it to do over again.



2. This book contains enough information in the following areas:
   stored procedures, triggers, XML, entities and indexes.

   It also contains poor information in the following areas:
   Managing and manipulation data.
   Cursors.
   SQL Server tuning.

   I strongly recommend the Microsoft self-paced book. It contains more material for the exam.




3. If exam's are your motivation then this is only the starting point not the "Learn by rote" you need to guarantee success. If you're new to SQL Server then this training kit does what would be an excellent job if of gently introducing you to the world of SQL Server and relational databases, let down by sloppy proofreading. Some examples: Page 106 has three tables to illustrate normalisation: a book table and TWO author tables. I think what they meant was a book table, an author table and an AuthorBook table and someone just didn't check the table captions. On page 73 the sp_helpprotect stored procedure is introduced. The example won't work because the stored procedure is called sp_helprotect. And when you hit brick walls with examples (try turning debugging on - the book makes it sound dead simple, the reality is you'll hit an "unable to connect" message that requires extensive research and additional work if you're running SP3) there's nowhere to turn. It's a shame because the book does an excellent job in other ways. But it's lazy. It gives the easy and obvious examples and sample questions and whenever anything that might require a bit of real explanation comes up if you're lucky it says "Go read somewhere else", if you're unlucky the subject doesn't come up at all. I'd still recommend it as a "gentle" way into SQL Server for those new to databases, but it could have been so much better with just a little more effort



4. It amazes me really; how come a company like Microsoft - the author of the exam - is willingly gave away it is potential position as the best provider of the exams training kits which - at least in this case - is very far from being true.
   
   I passed this exam a month ago, while I am restricted by NDA from speaking about the questions; I can tell you that nothing in this book has any thing to do with this exam whatsoever. The questions in this book are too elementary; it is like asking you what is 4 + 4 in a SAT study kit (you got the picture). The only thing you can get out of this book is that if you are unable to answer ALL the questions correct in about an hour or two, rest assured that you are not ready for that exam but the not the other way around. Meaning, if you are able to answer all of them, by no means this - by it self- means that you are ready. Invest your money some where else or if you are in Redmond WA pay a visit to the library where you will find my copy, I am in my way to donate it.



5. Exactly the info I needed and saved me a ton of money

1 comments about Using Informix SQL (2nd Edition).

1. A very good book for anyone who uses Informix SQL

3 comments about Mastering MySQL 4.

1. While I am not new to databases, I am new to mysql and always spend the most time learning new syntax, processes and "features". The MySQL manual is very clear but left some questions unanswered for me. Mastering MySQL left me with no such gaps, and the numerous in-depth examples (including output) in this book help clarify commands and proper syntax. The book covers everything from installation to administration and includes syntax and function/operator references. These references are clearly detailed and contain a generous number of examples as well.

   The book is written from a hands-on point of view which is how I learn best. One very nice aspect of the book is that it provides information for Windows and UNIX environments as opposed to focusing on one or the other.

   There are very handy sections on several of the programming APIs, including PHP, Perl, Python, Java, C, ODBC and .NET.

   Database beginners will find the sections on Understanding Relational Databases, Database Normalization and Database Design very helpful in understanding database terminology and functionality.

   Finally, there is a very detailed index in the back of the book - I really dislike not being able to locate a topic in an index, especially when I know I read it somewhere in the book.

   This is a very good overall book for the MySQL database and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to learn about MySQL.




2. I like the tool coverage in this MySQL book -- it covers a lot of features which I haven't read about elsewhere, and appears to focus on practical solutions. Based on the three weeks I have been referring to this book, I would say it is the best MySQL book available.

   Since it ostensibly covers version 4, the author should have covered secure socket connections in greater detail and given examples of its use. I would also have liked to see references to the text in the otherwise valuable appendix B. Overall, it seems very free of fluff and the examples seem to focus on the case in point.

   Excellent book.




3. I found this book to be my very best friend when I started doing a lot of MySQL, and I use it often as a reference now.
   
   The book is a great A-Z of everything MySQL 4.
   
   It is a great technical read with lots of examples, clear concise reflection, and a fantastic appendix.

3 comments about Sybase Dba Companion.

1. As a technical book, it is important to be precise and accurate--this book is neither. The book is full of typos, such as: cash=cache. In a work of fiction I would not be that concerned; however, I do not want to take a chance relying on this book for technical issues when it appears it was not proofread. Who wants to be hoping there is not a critical typo in one of the technical notes. Sloppy is the single word to describe this book, and that is not an adjective that should be associated with a technical work.



2. Of the 3 other Sybase I've read, this is perhaps the best. Lots of useful information and written in a very easy to read style. I would recommend this book to someone who knows the basics of SQL Servers and wants to learn more.



3. Not very informative for routine DBA maintenance "how to...." for new Sybase DBA.

   A better choice for the beginning DBA is Sybase (SQL Server 11) DBA Survival Guide, 2nd ED., SAMS Publishing.

1 comments about An Introduction to SQL Server 2005 Management Studio.

1. This book might be good for experienced SQL Server 2000 DBAs who need a quick intro into the new features of SS 2005, but if you need a real tutorial look elsewhere. There are no data files, nor does the author even provide sample data to key in. She just (i.e.) says "create a query" and ... I returned the book.

3 comments about Real World SQL Server Administration with Perl.

1. This book contains a lot of good and practical perl code. It really help me a lot.



2. What a fantastic, well written, example laden book. If you are a SQL Server DBA or Developer (or Windows Admin or Power User) and know or wish to learn Perl to help automate many of your proactive and reactive monitoring tasks then this book is for you. Shea is one smart cookie and I'm really impressed by his book.



3. Real World SQL Server Administration with Perl focuses on how Perl can be applied to perform administration tasks involving SQL Server. Shea has provided a great detail of material in nearly all major areas of SQL Server administration. Subtopics include migrating data, comparing and sorting database objects, analyzing log files, analyzing and generating SQL code, monitoring SQL Servers, and managing SQL Servers in an enterprise environment. In every subtopic, Shea succeeds in demonstrating how Perl can be used to build tools to perform a particular administrative task. A common theme found throughout the book is to use Perl to bridge the gap between standard and third-party SQL Server administration management tools with Perl scripts.
   
   The first three chapters of the book along with Appendix B review the basics of Perl as well as Perl modules. Much focus is given to Windows specific modules included in ActivePerl, the leading freeware Perl runtime environment from ActiveState. Over the course of chapters 2 and 3, Shea details how to use Perl to connect both with ADO and ODBC (as part of this, he touches upon using COM from Perl). Also introduced in these chapters are utility routines that Shea has developed to support the tools that he provides in later chapters.
   
   Starting in chapter 4, Shea launches into the gist of the book, SQL Server administration. The first topic covered is data migration focusing on the bulk copy program (BCP). As examples, he demonstrates the importing of both the SQL Server error log as well as the Windows PerfMon log. Changing gears in chapter 5, the comparison of table columns, column indexes, contraints, stored procedures is introduced. In each case, at least one script is shown as an example. Later in chapter 5, Linchi provides a comprehensive script that compares several database objects in one script execution pass. His intent in this chapter is to address a common DBA task, comparing database schemas for change management whether it be for application trouble-shooting or upgrading deployments. He then concludes chapter 5 with scripts for generating stored procedure call trees and procedure dependency lists.
   
   Chapter 5 is jammed packet with several cool Perl scripts including the following:
   
   1. Table columns - compareColumns.pl
   2. Table indexes - compareIndexes.pl
   3. Constraints - compareConstraints.pl
   4. Store Procedures - compareSPs.pl
   5. Schemas - The first comparison rolled into script, compareDBs.pl
   6. Stored Procedure Call Tree (callTree.pl)
   7. Stored Procedure (Package) Dependency Lister (sortSPs.pl) - this Perl script will scan a group of stored procedures and identify the dependencies of other stored procedures.
   8. Producting a Reference Tree for a Table (tableTree.pl) - this Perl script will generate a table dependency graph of other tables that are referred to by their foreign keys.
   
   In chapter 6, Shea switches to a different track, analysis of the internals of a SQL Server database. Here he dives into more advanced facilities such as the trace flag 1200 - useful for debugging the locking behavior of a particular row - and the DBCC PAGE command, as well as details that help identify potential database problems. Once again, scripts are provided to help analyze the information that can be gleaned from SQL Server.
   
   Chapters 7 and 8 deal with analysis and generation of SQL code. In starting off on these series of topics, Shea introduces filerQueryPlans.pl, a script that analyzes the output generated by the SQL Profiler tool. He also provides scripts for identify queries with excessive joins and dynamic SQL (reviewSP.pl). indexSummary.pl is another script that is quite useful, this script scans the a query plan and analyze how a given SQL query utilizes indexes. This script thus helps you to determine which indexes are used, not used, as well as how often a script is used. SQL code generation is also covered with examples that generate T-SQL code from a configuration file, database schema, from data in a table, existing T-SQL script files, and other SQL-DMO object instances. Perl script code to split files containing multiple stored procedures into a single file for each procedure is also provided here.
   
   Chapters 9 and 11 are companion chapters. Chapter 9 introduces log file analysis of the SQL Server error logs, Windows event logs (grepEventLog.pl), DBCC output files, log files from scheduled jobs, SQL Server agent files, replication error log files, and agent output files. Other types of log files include Windows cluster log files, application server log files, as well as third-party log files. In this chapter the author discusses and develops scripts for alerting based on evaluations of the SQL Server error log, local drive space, database server availability and cluster. Then as a follow-up in chapter 11, Linchi develops scripts for monitoring of these areas with the ability to notify via SMTP e-mail.
   
   Chapter 12, Managing SQL Servers in the Enterprise, is the last chapter. This chapter provides material and scripts for managing many SQL server instances in an enterprise environment. As the reader has come to expect, this chapter is also packed with useful scripts for managing SQL server instances as well as system and user accounts.
   
   ListSysadmin.pl - Lists Sysadmin accounts and logins
   scanForSQLServer.pl - Scan for SQL Server machines on a network
   scanNullSAPasswords.pl - Scanning for sa accounts with null passwords
   trackSQLAccounts.pl - Tracking SQL Server Service accounts
   findOpenShares.pl - identify file shares on your SQL Server systems that are wide-open
   
   In conclusion, the book Real SQL Server Administration with Perl is a wonderfully useful book for DBAs managing SQL Server databases. I have come across no other book targeted at a particular community within the world of Microsoft and Windows that demonstrates the power and usefulness of Perl. In addition to packing the book with incredibly useful Perl scripts for SQL Server administration, I also find myself using the first few chapters as well as the appendix as a general reference to programming Perl in the Windows environment.

5 comments about SQL Clearly Explained.

1. This is the right book for the total SQL newbie. After the intro chapter, the author wastes no time in diving into the difficult topic of data retrieval and spends three well-written chapters on this topic, explaining the operations in a clear and easily understood manner. One big example is used throughout the book, that of an "online" bookstore database. For a SQL (pronounced 'sequel') newbie like me, this book was perfect in its coverage and treatment. Again, the book's clarity is superb.

   Two flaws: 1) a number of typos and errors, esp. in the chapters on retrieval, which can confuse the reader; 2) intro to relational database is rather skimpy, IMHO.

   But it deserves a five-star rating. Very highly recommended. (I bought this book so I could embed SQL in ASP pages.)




2. This is an excellent book on SQL. It begins with the basic syntax of SQL statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE and then covers more intermediate concepts such as joining, string manipulation, and date/time arithmetic. The most rewarding section was the two chapters on embedded and dynamic SQL. It's hard enough to find a good SQL book that covers embedded SQL at all, and this one explains it so well...from declaring cursors to allocating descriptors to fetching rows. This is a well-rounded, well-written text.



3. The book doesn't teach you how to create tables until the latter part, so that when you run the SQL script (CREATES.TXT), you'd be left hanging if you got errors (as I did with MS SQL 7.0).

   I don't know what the author was thinking, but if the book is truly for beginners, then she should have provided more details on the creation of the example files right at the beginning of the book, or perhaps different SQL script versions for the more popular SQL Servers out there.

   I had spent 4 days out of town and seriously read this book without a PC at the time, only to be disappointed that I could not create the tables in the book when I came back. Being a beginner in SQL, I wasn't exactly sure where to go from there.

   So here I am now, shopping for another book. Disappointing.




4. I am more of a user than an IT person, and I found this book very useful and easy to follow. The author has filled this book with examples of queries, and taken the time to discuss some of the more technical aspects of SQL such as data modification, database structure and indexes. So from basic data extraction tecnhiques to an overview of the inner-workings of SQL, this book is a success.



5. This book explains SQL very clearly indeed, as the title implies.
   
   I knew a bit of SQL before I started reading this book, so the first 50-odd pages didn't teach me much, but they still made me understand a few things here and there more thoroughly. I got my copy yesterday, and I'm at around page 100 now. For a technical book, it's quite easy to go through, in my opinion, even though it's rich in quality content.
   
   The book is extremely well organised, and the chapters flow from one to the next smoothly. There are lots of examples which always clearly back up the explanations. Also, the example database in this book is consitently used, i.e. you do not have completely different examples everywhere which would only make things confusing.
   
   There are a few minor typos here and there, but even so, I still rate this book 5/5.